Figure 1.

Overall allergen characterization for submission to the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee for possible name recognition. Figure with copyright allowance from Pomés et al. (2). Numbers are inserted beside key blocks, identifying topical areas and challenges related to our evaluations. (1) Nearly identical repeated sequences confuse characterization of the natural protein. (2) Amino acid identity matches across distant taxonomic relations are unlikely to represent cross-reactive proteins. (3) Native allergens of co-valently linked independent proteins such as Fel d 1 and Ory 3. (4) Carbohydrate IgE binding epitopes (CCD, alpha-gal) are not (yet) named in this system. (5) Studies testing cloned, recombinant proteins without native protein bridging can leave doubts. (6) Biological evidence, either basophil histamine release or activation, or skin prick test with pure protein. (7) Aeroallergen identities in clinical tests are typically not verified in allergen diagnostic testing due to lack of available components. (8) Occupational and food allergen testing typically involve few study subjects.